A REGIONAL manager has taken over at Saffron House care home after a report listing major failings by staff sparked concern into the safety of residents there.

New admissions to the Barwell home, in High Street, were closed after inspectors from the Care Quality Commission told owners Downing Barwell Ltd that they must take immediate action to ensure the safety of people in their care.

They were given 28 days to improve practices in the home after it was reported to be failing to meet 12 out of 16 essential standards of care.

During the visit on December 10, inspectors said they found a woman sitting in the lounge being sick, a man who had taken his trousers off and witnessed the medication trolley being left unattended - showing the home did not have enough staff on at key times.

A spokesman for Saffron House said: “The safety and welfare of those in our care is of the utmost importance and it is concerning that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has found that some quality standards are not being met at Saffron House.

“Many of the non-compliances identified within the CQC report are directly attributable to the failings of the home manager to discharge her responsibilities and safeguard people using the service.

“A review of the home manager’s performance has taken place and, as a result, she has now been dismissed from her post.

“A regional manager has been appointed to manage Saffron House on an interim basis until the permanent appointment of an effective home manager, tasked with improving and maintaining quality standards on an ongoing basis, is completed.

“Most of the recommendations made by the CQC have already been completed and all improvement actions, including staff training by external providers, will be concluded before the end of March.

“Quality control and reporting procedures will be constantly reviewed to ensure that Saffron House maintains the highest level of care for all of our residents.”

Concerns at the home were raised by a whistle-blower who contacted Leicestershire County Council, who have placed clients in the home under contract.

A spokesman for the council said: “We immediately suspended new placements at the home, informed the Care Quality Commission, carried out a survey of existing residents’ views and issued a contract compliance action plan.”